For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
Book 1 of The Selection Series
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date: April 24, 2012
Pages: 327
Genres: YA, romance, dystopian
I first heard of this book while watch Elle Fowler on her youtube channel AllThatGlitters21. It got me curious, I have to say I did change my mind after reading a number of bad reviews on goodreads. Ultimately, I couldn't get this book out of my head and dived right in.
The Selection is the first book to the trilogy. It pretty much is the show bachelor in novel form. The main character America Singer is one of thirty-five chosen for the competition and the book is written in her perspective. However, America does not want to leave her love, Aspen. Needles to say, she does reach the palace to live with her thirty-four competitors and meets Prince Maxon. Cue love triangle.
The characters were not memorable. There is a caste system in the book, but it isn't well developed for me. The world building as well was barely complete. There wasn't much about the northern and southern rebels, except a brief mention. Overall still a good, light read.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
